1/35 Churchill Mk IV, AVRE Diorama

[DRUMS01]

I believe it's 4 rivets, three screws, 2 post/terminals, one actuator, and one safety; also one cross strap with buckle, one arm strap one leather top cover with buckle tab, and one front buckle. Can't forget the ridge in the shape of a "T" to keep the terminals separated either. So, nothing much really....

Here is the bridge for what Jarrod and I will call mostly D-O-N-E. Unfortunately, the photo does not really show the color deviations as well as in person.





The rest of the time today was trying to make the detonator "in scale". Unfortunately, it means it will be difficult to see the rivets and screws, but you should be able to see most everything else.

The box is a stack of 4 plastic rectangles of sheet plastic cemented together and sanded to shape. The top kidney shaped part is two smaller rectangles cemented and filed to shape, then cemented on top the rectangle / box. The leather cover is very thin sheet plastic cut and folded (much like you would do with photoetch). In the photo you can see the holes drilled for the plunger and both terminals. The retaining strap is also in place.



After some fiddling around trying several methods, Jarrod and I came up with using two diameters of steel rod for the plunger or detonator handle and another for the terminals. You can also see lead foil combined with thin plastic strip to simulate the straps. It may not look like much just yet, but with a good paint job and some minor detailing, we hope it will look the business:



And here it is just setting in the diorama near the fallen soldier. It will have some wire trailing off it into the water as well.



Please let us know what you think, is it too big? OK?, or what?

Ben

[digger303]

Yeah , I think it might be. I'm comparing it to the drum behind it. It would be better to compare it with a figures hand.
Never the less it's a terrific effort and you have certainly captured the look of the current generator ( I dunno what to call it) isn't the detonator the small charge ( like a rifle primer) placed into the explosive package.

[Stokesy44]

It looks pretty good to me, fine workmanship.

As for size, it looks ok versus the hand size of the figure in the photo.

[Quax]

looks spectacular so far, the end result will be one of the best dios I've seen on here! I think Jarrod is beginning to surpass us!

Paul

[digger303]

It looks pretty good to me, fine workmanship.

As for size, it looks ok versus the hand size of the figure in the photo.

I'm going to need new glasses, I didn't see the figure .....too well camoed

[RangerNeil]

I believe it's 4 rivets, three screws, 2 post/terminals, one actuator, and one safety; also one cross strap with buckle, one arm strap one leather top cover with buckle tab, and one front buckle. Can't forget the ridge in the shape of a "T" to keep the terminals separated either. So, nothing much really....

Here is the bridge for what Jarrod and I will call mostly D-O-N-E. Unfortunately, the photo does not really show the color deviations as well as in person.





The rest of the time today was trying to make the detonator "in scale". Unfortunately, it means it will be difficult to see the rivets and screws, but you should be able to see most everything else.

The box is a stack of 4 plastic rectangles of sheet plastic cemented together and sanded to shape. The top kidney shaped part is two smaller rectangles cemented and filed to shape, then cemented on top the rectangle / box. The leather cover is very thin sheet plastic cut and folded (much like you would do with photoetch). In the photo you can see the holes drilled for the plunger and both terminals. The retaining strap is also in place.



After some fiddling around trying several methods, Jarrod and I came up with using two diameters of steel rod for the plunger or detonator handle and another for the terminals. You can also see lead foil combined with thin plastic strip to simulate the straps. It may not look like much just yet, but with a good paint job and some minor detailing, we hope it will look the business:



And here it is just setting in the diorama near the fallen soldier. It will have some wire trailing off it into the water as well.



Please let us know what you think, is it too big? OK?, or what?

Ben

Size looks about right to me. Only ever came across the "old" style of Initiator once but size is comparable. Looking forwards to seeing it painted up and detailed.

The dio itself looks amazing - going back through the thread to see how it started to how it looks now highlight the amount of work and careful detailing you & Jarrod have carried out. Outstanding!!!

Yeah , I think it might be. I'm comparing it to the drum behind it. It would be better to compare it with a figures hand.
Never the less it's a terrific effort and you have certainly captured the look of the current generator ( I dunno what to call it) isn't the detonator the small charge ( like a rifle primer) placed into the explosive package.

Yep - detonator is the small initiator charge embedded in the main charge. The part Drums is modelling is called an "Initiator" or "Exploder". These days they aren't much bigger than a pile of mobile phones stacked 4 or 5 high - fit in the pocket of a combat jacket. You can see one here:
https://www.theeodshop.com/products/shr ... v-exploder

Small factoid - if you want to blow, say, a bridge you need a number of main charges, each of which has its own detonator all wired in parallel to the Initiator. Where the main charge is an actual explosive (PE-308, C4, Semtex etc.) the detonator is something the size of half the length of a pencil and about the same dia.which is pushed into the main charge until the connecting wires are left poking out (the detonators are connected to the D10 cable BEFORE insertion - just in case.
Where the main charge is "home-made" - i.e. high nitrogen content fertilizer mixed with Derv the detonator needs a bit more "oomph" so it gets put into a ball of actual explosives roughly the size of a golf ball which is then buried deep in the mix.

[DRUMS01]

Thanks Neil, you got it!

After researching more, the names identified for the German WW2 Type 37 devise are: Wehrmacht Detonator, or Gluhzundapparat 37; another "official" name used by WW2 Allied doctrine is a German Type 37 Field Exploder.



The actual item inserted into the explosive material that we currently call a detonator or det. cap, was at that time was called a fuze, detonator, or ignitor. The 48 page book below has wonderful information and has decent illustrations in regards to the WW2 German demolitions items.



So I guess depending on when we were taught our knowledge of explosives, it would be named several different things...... I think Neil got it right with "Exploder", or Type 37 Field Exploder. Thanks again Neil. Looking closer at the image, I think I got the "T" handled key in the wrong place. Mine is in the winder socket and not the firing socket.

On another note, here is the WW2 Allied similar device:



The only type of exploder I used was with a Claymore and it was called an M57 Firing Device, or known by most soldiers as the "clacker". It will also fit in your hand or pocket.

[digger303]

Marvellous bit of good info, loved reading it.

[RangerNeil]

I remember the "clacker" - rarely used them though. We used to daisy-chain the Claymores - or Mon-50's - and rig trip-wires for detonation. Having first left a path a first grader could follow... Usually one set by the trip wire to catch the scouts and 3 or 4 a few yards back to catch the main body. Shrikes were used for more "adventurous fun"......

[DRUMS01]

Exactly, chain them and multi trip wires. Question, a Mon-50 is the Soviet clone or copy of a Claymore, correct?

Regular or mini Shrikes were not an item in the US Army in the 70s and early 80's.(yes, I'm old...smile).

[RangerNeil]

Exactly, chain them and multi trip wires. Questionm a Mon-50 is the Soviet clone or copy of a Claymore, correct?

Regular or mini Shrikes were not an item in the US Army in the 70s and early 80's.(yes, I'm old...smile).

Yep, the MON-50 was, literally, the clone of the claymore. The later MON-90 was a Soviet "improvement" on the -50. About twice the size but far more effective. When operating where you aren't supposed to be its never a good idea to leave debris that tells the clean-up squad naughty people are there so using the MON-50's hid the presence. Not unheard of for the other side to conclude there'd been an accident whilst setting them up.....

70's and very early 80's was my era too. Fun days they were!! I think Shrikes were mainly used by UK forces. Could be wrong but I don't remember them being standard issue to US Forces.

[Stokesy44]

Two old soldiers reminiscing about how to blow people up. Can't beat it.

[Kevthemodeller]

More amazing skill back up with very thorough research, all very interesting

[DRUMS01]

Time for another update!

Finished up on the Field Exploder and placed it in the diorama; there still may be some fine tuning but it's mostly done. In the process Jarrod and I also started to add more of the foliage in various locations. Of course we couldn't do that correctly unless we dedicated locations for more "stuff" and people. So here is how it looks near the sandbagged positions so far....







Then we started adding the MG team and the damaged street sign on the other side of the bridge:



Not wanting to get ahead of ourselves when working the diorama on one side, so we bagan to detail the farmers cart.



And to make sure it still looked OK where we were planning on placing it, here is how it will look.



Last, here is a look at the exploder with the detonator wires trailing off into the water. Keep in mind that the actual water will be the last item I add to the diorama.



Still much, much more to add (shell casings, more people, foliage, trees, gear, and of course we can't forget the actual AVRE Tank and SBG Bridge) once its gets further details.

Till next time!

Ben and Jarrod

[digger303]

Getting really busy now.

[Stokesy44]

Getting really busy now.

I was thinking the same thing, Its war, really close up

[Kevthemodeller]

It just keeps getting better

[Phillip1]

Ben and Jerod-This diorama progress build looks fantastic! The attention to detail is very impressive. So many small stories going on at once. Also, you chose a complex landscape (i.e., busted bridges, water, slopes) and are pulling it all off really well! I am blown away by the figures as well. Wow!

Phillip1

[DRUMS01]

Hi Everyone,

As we continue to detail our diorama, Jarrod and I took some time to confirm some information regarding the WW2 British uniform markings. Here are some of the items we found:







Before we begin adding the figures to the diorama base, we needed to add the necessary decals to them. Of course, as we did that we also noticed some minor paint touch-ups and the like. Next we will be adding the remainder of the "stuff" before we start the next level of vegetation. We're also waiting for items such as the cartridge casings for the weapons (Enfields and MG42). I also have some PE details in 1/35 I'm looking to add. Hope to following this up with more photos soon.

Till then.....

[DRUMS01]

New Update!

Jarrod and I finally added all the small decals on the individual figures. It was a pain as the decals we used were not separated so each one had to be cut out and applied one by one. That took much longer than we anticipated, but here they are:





SO, do you think it was worth it? Our answer is YES!

Ben and Jarrod

[digger303]

Yep it is .

[DRUMS01]

Adding another element, Trees!.....

So far, all organic: Three layers in what you are seeing. Still have painting and leaves to add.



Fallen Tree: Still a WIP

[Stokesy44]

OK, starting to get bored now

Its looking amazing. In one of the pictures where the exposure has been washed out by the light it looks almost real. Stunning work by you two aces.

[digger303]

[Kevthemodeller]

Ben,

Just for info and so you don't go copying it. The insignia on the middle battledress is not WW2, it's post WW2 approx 1950 - 1989 ish, 19th Inf Bde. Fought in WW1, shelved for WW2, brought back in 1950.

The other big mistake is the queens crown over the chevrons. That would make that rank a C/sgt post Feb 1952 Elizabeth, WW2 would be a kings crown.

[DRUMS01]

Thanks evceryone, and we appreciate the clarification Kev...

Ben and Jarrod

[RangerNeil]

New Update!

Jarrod and I finally added all the small decals on the individual figures. It was a pain as the decals we used were not separated so each one had to be cut out and applied one by one. That took much longer than we anticipated, but here they are:





SO, do you think it was worth it? Our answer is YES!

Ben and Jarrod

Definitely worth it - well done the pair of you.

[Tomcat64]

I finally managed to get enough time set aside to catch up on this project from the beginning.

It's been an absolutely awesome read through - the attention to detail is simply jaw-dropping.

Really looking forward to seeing this move to completion with the vehicle in place.

[DRUMS01]

Jarrod and I say, Thanks to Neil and everybody else.

We are currently trying some newer techniques on our trees. I hope to have more on them soon.

One thing we decided against was adding individual leaves on individual branches for 1/35. Now if it was 1/16 that would be a possibility. I have seen some in 1/35th done that way and they are absolutely amazing, but that is too far for Jarrod and I to go on this build.

Ben

[DRUMS01]

More picture updates.....

I would not call this the best tree I ever did, and it is still a work-in-process, but here is the first one added to the base. I still need to add and finely pick out more details.





Here is the one we started a couple updates ago, now it has the bark and green base coats before we go the next level. So we picked a bloom from on of my bushes in the yard for the trunk and branches; trimmed then added more branches individually attaching them with CA cement; added a synthetic type of floral to provide finer details for small branches and bloom / leaves with CA cement; painted entire tree trunk and branches bark a green gray bark type color; painted green ends to show initial foliage; now the details will begin. We hope the next update it will look like a tree. And before you ask, no it will not be like the other tree.....



OH! and how is Jarrod doing you ask? Here we are finishing a 5K run just last Saturday. He is a trooper and a compass for my life. And yes, as you can tell, I'm getting older and fatter... 4 more years to the big 70! Jogging while pushing Jarrod, who is almost 140 lbs, and the chair which is another 66 lbs (just over 200 lbs), you will feel like you accomplished something after a 5K. Thank goodness most of it was level (smile). Our American Legion Post was one of the many sponsors of the 5K to benefit a children's cancer relief group. I did my duty among the 800 participants (runners and walkers combined). We helped, in part, to not only raise awareness but also gain over $130K in charitable donations. If you look closely, I am wearing a casual American Legion ball cap and a Legion shirt titled "Be The One", which draws attention to and supports the reduction of veteran's suicide.




Comments welcome, and thanks for looking in on the build. Till next update!

Ben and Jarrod

[Stokesy44]

Beautiful detail work as always.

Really impressed by the post of the 'run', great to see you and Jarrod powering through! Two incredibly worthy causes. Impressed doesn't begin to cover it.

[Tomcat64]

That autumnal tree on the base looks superb - great work. Looking forward to seeing how the other one develops.

And very well done to you both for doing that 5k event

[DRUMS01]

Jarrod and I say "Thank you". To me, he is what keeps life fresh and my perspective honest, Jarrod keeps it real and I love it.

Moving forward on the build, we finished up the next tree on the other side of the bridge. Here is the photo phases of this tree:

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

For the most part we are calling that one done. The last tree is the largest and most challenging. We hope that the stuff we learned on the first two trees can be applied to the last one.

We also completed the next step on the downed tree, but there is still more to do:





During the drying time, we also added more details to the base, like the large milk container, a set of fork / knife / and spoon in the bread box, and even a pair of eyeglasses. While working them in, we received our brass shell casings and we applied them as needed too. We will see if you can find all the stuff later (smile).

Till next time! Jarrod and I say hello to everyone and welcome any comments.

Ben and Jarrod

[Stokesy44]

Amazing work on the tree. Every day continues to be a school day with this build!

[DRUMS01]

Thanks Stokesy... I could just as easily purchase one of the many kits available for the trees, but I really enjoy looking at others techniques and trying to apply them with my own. Sometimes it works, and others... meh.

I found that the key with the second tree was to be very careful with separating the density of the colored moss and sparingly adding pieces to the tree in a way not to make it look too full or unrealistic. The larger tree will be more difficult and we are going to try a couple other techniques and variations with it. I guess we'll see where that goes......

[Kevthemodeller]

Amazing work on the tree. Every day continues to be a school day with this build!

Couldn't agree more

[DRUMS01]

Thanks Kev...

Hey! before I start anything I wanted to ask, has anyone heard from digger? I haven't seen a post from him in over a week (I think)? If anyone knows, please share it with your other modeling friends here...

We've been pulled away a little bit to satisfy other commitments such as flag detail at local sporting events on Friday evenings, and playing music at home and in group practices, and then a rehearsal on site along with multiple services from 07:00-12:30 on Sundays. We are not complaining as we love to do them too, just like modeling. With only 24 hrs in a day, they do take some time away from modeling though.





As far as our diorama build, we took another step towards its completion. At last, we started work on the large tree. You might think that it should be a small thing after finishing the last two. I can tell you it wasn't. Jarrod and I started with the dark brown organic bloom from our flower bed and trimmed it down then added additional stems (from a similar bloom) for branches to give it balance and appear much like a tree in scale and shape. If you look closely at the dark brown base in the initial photo, you can see what I would call some thorny ends that are going in all directions and that will not do.



So next we trimmed down the spiked endings to a more reasonable shape but still allow enough to appear as the major branches. The reason they were not totally removed initially was because we needed something for the smaller (light colored) foliage to lay on for support as it was applied. Because of the size of the tree, and going for a specific end result that will be different from the other two trees, we made an earnest attempt to attach the smaller foliage ends to either the trunk or dark branches to they look like legitimate smaller ones.



The process of adding around 60-70 of the smaller branches, while fighting with the darker main branches and those smaller ones already added became a big challenge. Simultaneously, we were cropping off the remaining spiked endings to add realism in scale. That too was a challenge as we had to be very careful not to trim the small stuff when removing the spikes. Believe it or not, this took a few hours over several days. Between the planning, shaping, and placement along with the drying time and any repairs along the way, it was more work than anticipated. Overall we are happy with the result so far.





Last we sprayed what had been completed with a spray glue and later with a mat acrylic spray. Adding those two steps helped provied strength to the smaller branches. Next we will paint what we have to include detail painting of the trunk. Then we will begin to sparingly add other elements and every so lightly prune as we go. We hope to have a final version of the tree to show at our next update.

Take care, and model something!

P.S.: Comments and critiques are always encouraged. Thanks for looking!

Ben and Jarrod

[DRUMS01]

So how has everyone's weekend been so far? Ours has been both fun and active. Somehow, between a Friday football game, Saturday car show, and music practice, we managed to complete the last tree. It still needs added to the diorama base, but at least it's done.



Once Jarrod and I got it to this point we sealed it again with a flat spray over. Next we sealed the base of the diorama. While they are drying we started looking at adding some wear and tear to the Churchill and SBG bridge. We did not do that when it was initially built because we knew eventually that we wanted to build a base for it and blend them together at that time. The three main areas we want to update on the Churchill are to make the track area contacting the road match the dirt and texture of the road itself. For us, the key is to make the tank appear in the road and not above the road. The next will be to add light chipping, battle scars, and dust to the tank. Last we will add some wear to the areas of the bridge that contact the ground (beneath the bridge) and where the vehicles drive over it (on the top).

During our look at the Churchill we noticed that I did not add any rank, unit patches, or anything to any of the tank figures. Along with fixing that we will most likely try to blend the figures uniform colors and skin tones closer to those of the ground forces. They are not too far off from each other so it should be easy.

So we still have more to do, but we think it's getting closer to the finish.

Thanks for looking and your feedback is encouraged.

Ben and Jarrod

[Stokesy44]

Beautiful looking tree

[digger303]

I'm back, I've been on holiday to the east coast for 8 days and then 2 days in Perth with the grand kids.
I'm struggling to catch up.

Great horticultural work in progress

[Kevthemodeller]

Superb tree work mate

[Tomcat64]

Superb work on that last tree and thanks for taking the time to explain the processes too

[DRUMS01]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks Stokesy, digger, Kev, and Neil. We are feeling quite happy with our modeling lately. As you all know our motivation comes and goes at times. We think that part of it is the excitement of seeing all of this finally come together. Even though they always say, "Plan your work and work your plan", it is not always easy or immediately satisfying. So with that said....

It's time to share more progress as we now have all the trees attached to the base. Along with the trees, we also have permanently added the figures you see on it. We found that that's a wonderful thing about older pictures in a progressive build; it lets you recall by photos where you have planned to set each item within the diorama (figures, cart, boxes, rolls, aetc.). We still need to pick out some minor details. That's another thing about photos; you normally find something that you might have overlooked during the build when viewing the pictures. Enough rambling, here is where we are now....















Jarrod and I have also started on detailing the Churchill AVRE and the SBG Bridge. Some of the things we've started with the model was to add more dirt colors that match the diorama base to the road wheels and lower tracks so it blends in and looks natural. Mild wear and tear was also added to include light chipping, rust, staining, etc. Another item we reworked was the exhaust by adding heat marks and rust. The cabling from the winch to the bridge and from the bridge fulcrum to the bridge base were made to look metallic. The bridge itself has had more wear added to the top area that receives all the traffic from the vehicles. Beneath the bridge was not forgotten either as Jarrod and I added some wear such as scrapes, dirt, and mild discoloration from where it lays on the ground all the time when it is not in the transport position.

As for the tank figures, very little needed done. The skin tones were better blended to make them look more northern European and not Middle-Eastern, or Indian like they were. After doing more research, Jarrod and I also noticed that the tanker's coveralls did not normally have rank or unit patches. So, out of the 5 tank figures, we only added items to 2 of them; the engineer with the clipboard and the tank commander who was not wearing his jumpsuit. Some final touch-up and dusting will finish it off.

Soon we will have a reveal for the diorama as a separate posting. Thanks for following along and providing the valuable input. As always, feedback is encouraged.

Ben and Jarrod

[RangerNeil]

Looking forwards to the reveal!!

[digger303]

Cool

[Stokesy44]

Superb work. It looks amazing even without the Churchill. You could even argue it doesn't need it!

[digger303]

5 more days